Email journal from the Australian yacht Maranatha sailing in Louisiades Archipelago, PNG

Admiral’s Update No 18 2014

Please pray for wisdom for us at this time. My 99 year old Dad is in hospital with heart and lung problems and not responding well to the treatment. I asked the doctor to make an assessment as to whether he thinks he will recover. At the moment it could be either way and we are making tentative plans to secure to boat and fly home if necessary.

We are in Malta, a tiny rocky island with about 400,000 population, wall to wall housing, the most efficient bus service imaginable and a strong British flavour. It had two major sieges — by the Turks against the Knights of St John in the 16th century and in WW11 when the Maltese and British defence forces faced heavy bombing and starvation. The Maltese were awarded, collectively as a nation, the George Cross for their gallantry.

We may catch up with some of you earlier than expected if anything happens to Dad. I had two months or so of good quality time with my Dad before we left Australia and both of us know he is in God’s hands no matter what.